E10 biofuel rollout off to smooth start after one month in Vietnam

Initial concerns over fuel quality and engine compatibility have largely subsided, providing a solid foundation for Vietnam’s long-term transition toward cleaner energy and lower-carbon transportation.

Consumers gain confidence in E10 biofuel

When E10 petrol was introduced nationwide on June 1, many motorists were concerned that the higher ethanol content could reduce engine durability or increase fuel consumption. After a month of practical use, however, most consumers said they have experienced no noticeable problems.

Many motorcycle and car owners reported that their vehicles continue to operate normally with E10 petrol. Some even said engines feel smoother during acceleration and gear shifting. Others appreciated that biofuel helps reduce emissions while remaining slightly cheaper than conventional petrol.

One regular motorcycle rider said vehicles ranging from popular commuter motorcycles to older passenger cars have all performed normally on E10, with no signs of excessive fuel consumption or engine issues.

Vietnam has already accumulated years of experience with biofuels. E5 biofuel has been sold nationwide since early 2018, replacing RON92. E10, which contains 10% ethanol and 90% conventional petrol, has also been widely adopted in many countries for years.

According to automobile and motorcycle manufacturers, nearly all petrol-powered vehicles officially manufactured, assembled or imported into Vietnam are compatible with both E5 and E10, provided the fuel meets national quality standards and users follow manufacturers' operating recommendations.

Fuel quality key to long-term success

Nguyen Anh Tuan, vice chairman and secretary general of the Vietnam Energy Association, said blending 10% ethanol into petrol helps reduce fossil fuel consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions and support Vietnam’s broader green growth objectives. However, he stressed that maintaining consistent fuel quality is critical.

“If fuel quality affects vehicle performance, consumer confidence will decline, directly undermining the effectiveness of Vietnam's biofuel policy,” he said.

Recognising quality assurance as a top priority, the Ministry of Science and Technology has launched nationwide inspections covering E10 production, blending facilities, distributors and retail fuel stations.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has instructed localities, fuel wholesalers and market surveillance agencies to strengthen supervision throughout the supply chain.

According to Nguyen Quang Dung, deputy general director of Petrolimex, the company’s biofuel blending system is fully automated and certified to comply with Vietnam’s national technical standards. He said every stage, from raw materials to finished products, is subject to strict quality control procedures.

The same system has been used since Petrolimex began selling E5 petrol in 2018, and the company has reported no fuel-quality incidents related to biofuels.

Supporting green growth and energy security

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan noted that expanding biofuel consumption offers multiple benefits for the environment, energy security and economic development.

Replacing part of conventional petrol with ethanol helps reduce emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other air pollutants, contributing to Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Greater use of biofuels is also expected to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, diversify energy supplies and strengthen the country's long-term energy security.

From an economic perspective, higher ethanol demand could stimulate domestic ethanol production, create new markets for agricultural feedstocks, revive previously established ethanol plants and generate new employment opportunities across the biofuel value chain.

To facilitate the transition, the Government of Vietnam has introduced pilot policies supporting nationwide E10 adoption. Under the policy, E10 RON95-III has become the benchmark petrol product for calculating the state’s official reference fuel price, replacing conventional RON95-III petrol.

According to industry experts, as E10 becomes Vietnam’s mainstream petrol, consumers will become increasingly confident in both fuel quality and pricing. Rising ethanol demand is also expected to encourage producers to expand capacity while strengthening the entire supply chain, from feedstock cultivation and ethanol production to fuel blending and nationwide distribution.

One month after its nationwide launch, Vietnam’s transition to E10 biofuel has proceeded smoothly without significant market disruption. Although more time is needed to fully assess its long-term economic, technical and environmental impacts, the initial results suggest a positive start for the country’s broader strategy to accelerate green energy development and enhance national energy security.

Biofuels contribute to national energy security

VOV.VN - Experts say biofuels can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support sustainable development, enhance energy self-sufficiency and contribute to national energy security.